Colorado State Forecasts 'Somewhat Below Average' 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Triple-I releases its annual hurricane outlook for the upcoming year.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:37pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and gold, with dramatic storm clouds and beams of light breaking through, dwarfing a small town in the distance, conceptually representing the power and scale of an impending hurricane season.An ominous forecast looms over coastal communities as researchers predict a somewhat below-average, yet still potentially dangerous, 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.Malvern Today

The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has released its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, predicting a 'somewhat below average' number of storms. The forecast, compiled by researchers at Colorado State University, calls for 12 named storms, 5 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes in the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Hurricane forecasts are closely watched by insurance companies, emergency management agencies, and coastal residents as they prepare for potential storm impacts. An 'above average' or 'below average' forecast can significantly impact insurance rates, disaster planning, and public awareness in hurricane-prone regions.

The details

The Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project team, led by Dr. Philip Klotzbach, bases its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast on factors like sea surface temperatures, El Niño/La Niña conditions, and other climate patterns. Their prediction of 12 named storms, 5 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes is below the 1991-2020 average of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.

  • The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30.
  • The Colorado State University forecast was released on April 9, 2026.

The players

Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I)

A non-profit organization that provides information and analysis on insurance-related topics.

Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project

A research team at Colorado State University that specializes in hurricane forecasting and analysis.

Dr. Philip Klotzbach

Lead researcher of the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project and author of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast.

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What they’re saying

“This year's forecast indicates a somewhat below-average Atlantic hurricane season, which is good news for those living in hurricane-prone regions. However, it only takes one major storm to cause significant damage, so residents should still prepare accordingly.”

— Dr. Philip Klotzbach, Lead Researcher, Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project

What’s next

The Colorado State University team will provide updated forecasts throughout the 2026 hurricane season as new data becomes available.

The takeaway

While the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be somewhat below average, coastal communities should still remain vigilant and prepared for potential storm impacts, as it only takes one major hurricane to cause significant damage.